Clariant introduces new masterbatches for packaging and construction
Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company Clariant introduces its latest masterbatch solutions: CESA-absorb for active oxygen barriers for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging and advanced Hydrocerol nucleating agents for construction insulation.
CESA-absorb provides effective oxygen barrier solutions for plastic packaging, particularly lightweight, thin and mono-layer packaging, where food needs greater protection from permeating oxygen-induced degradation. The oxygen scavenging units consist of a catalyst and an oxidizable substrate, which are uniformly dispersed in the polymeric matrix of the packaging wall.
According to Clariant, this novel masterbatch provides superior and long-term oxygen barrier performance to PET packaging such as bottles and films without impacting on transparency or the recyclability.
The Switzerland materials supplier has also developed Hydrocerol nucleating solutions for effective, energy-reduction insulation materials within thinner, space-saving boards.
Clariant said the Hydrocerol-based masterbatches enable foaming of lightweight polystyrene (PS) at significantly smaller size than the currently known foams. The newly designed formulation enables, in the presence of direct gassing, a cell size reduction from 200μm to 50μm, in addition to good insulation properties.
CESA-absorb and the Hydrocerol nucleating solutions are scheduled for commercial launch at the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015, respectively.
"Clariant Masterbatches has repositioned itself toward a more innovation-driven business, with a focus on attractive markets and customers a key element of its four-pillar growth strategy," comments Hans Bohnen, Head of Business Unit Masterbatches. "Our enhancement of the nucleating capability of Hydrocerol and the novel CESA masterbatches stem from this focus, and will create new possibilities for our customers to improve the sustainability offering and overall performance of their finished products."
